Local News
Feds add allegations in embezzlement case
EDMOND — New indictments involve Edmond doctor
BY MARK SCHLACHTENHAUFEN
THE EDMOND SUN
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment Thursday against an Alva woman accused of allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars from an Edmond doctor and a Woods County health care benefit program.
The 24-count indictment accuses Rita Ramy, 43, of Alva, of allegedly embezzling funds from two employers, Woods County Medicine and Pediatric Specialists, and Dr. David L. Graham, a dermatologist who operated clinics in Enid and in Edmond.
If convicted, Ramy faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, or both, and up to three years supervised release. Ramy was not in custody, according to court papers.
Robert Troester, acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, said the court will set a trial date in the near future.
Ramy’s attorney, John Coyle III, said Ramy has denied the allegations, and he anticipates the legal issues will soon be resolved. Coyle said the three new counts involve Graham.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial, at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Counts 21-24 of the indictment involve Ramy’s employment with Graham’s dermatology clinic in Enid and his Silver Leaf Dermatology, 609 S. Kelly Avenue. Graham received payment for his services from Medicare and private insurance companies, according to court papers.
The Edmond clinic is Graham’s only active clinic, and his practice address is listed as being in Enid, according to information posted at the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision’s Web site.
Ramy is accused of allegedly embezzling funds from Graham by altering the amount of three checks to increase their value by $1,000.
The first check, written in December 2007, was in the amount of $1,304.00. The second, written in January 2008, was in the amount of $1,902.18. The third, written that same month, was in the amount of $1,304.00.
In count 24, Ramy allegedly altered the payee information on a check dated March 11, 2008, in the amount of $2,130.64, drawn on its account at The Northern Trust Company, which represented health care benefits for services rendered by Graham to one or more patients.
Counts 1-20 concern Ramy’s employment with Woods County Medicine and Pediatric Specialists, and 20 checks in amounts ranging from $470 to $2,000 written in 2004-05.
Doctors Scott and Christine Burk operated their practice under the name of Woods County Medicine and Pediatric Specialists, and were paid for their services by Medicare Part B, Medicaid and private insurance companies.
Edmond resident Vicki Behenna is the prosecutor assigned to the case.
marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108
- Local News
-
-
Edmond Memorial gets ready for Swine Week 2010
Edmond Memorial High School students took to the streets over the weekend to begin raising money for Swine Week, the school’s annual fundraiser.
-
Family seeks volunteers for bone marrow match
A series of bone marrow and blood drives has been scheduled for Edmond, Oklahoma City and Norman to help Dee Dee Dixon Rund, president of Oklahoma City Abstract and Title Company, who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia.
-
Council moves ahead with softball complex
The City Council approved the advancement of the $4.5 million adult softball complex into its second phase Monday night.
-
Lawmakers, Scouts celebrate 100th anniversary of Boy Scouts
State Reps. Scott Martin and Lewis Moore were proud today to welcome and celebrate with a number of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who attended events at the state Capitol commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
-
High school students explore health careers at Mercy
Deer Creek High School students were among more than 700 high schoolers who explored health care careers Friday at Mercy Health Center.
-
OC junior sings Valentines for mission projects
-
2-9 Where to Vote: Polling Precincts
Polls will be open for the Edmond Public Schools Board of Education District 5 election from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, but other voting options are available.
The Oklahoma County and Logan County election boards can accept absentee ballots until the close of polling stations. -
Edmond bank agrees to improve policies, practices
State and federal regulators have given an Edmond bank a deadline for submitting a written plan to strengthen oversight of bank management and operations.
-
Governor’s race brings in Edmond cash
Fervor for the 2010 gubernatorial race is bringing in a flood of money for political action committees.
-
Panel tables county jail issue
An advisory panel Friday rejected a recommendation calling for county commissioners to pursue a new estimated $330 million jail, then voted to revisit the issue at a later date.
- More Local News Headlines
-
